Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is now managing the three major U.P. wildfires – Ridge Fire, Craig Lake Fire and Black River Fire – as the Rugged Terrain Complex. One incident management team managing all three fires, known as a “complex,” allows for better coordination, logistical support, more streamlined communication and better efficiency.
Safety of the public and firefighters is the top priority for the Rugged Terrain Complex. Due to the significant hazards posed by falling trees and the sustained high winds within the area of all three fires on the Complex, fire crews spent Friday focusing on rehabbing equipment and patrolling. With a substantial amount of rain being received across the entire Rugged Lake Complex, fire behavior remained low with no fire spread anticipated.
Ridge Fire
The Ridge Fire is now estimated to be 466 acres and 40% contained. The Ridge Fire is located 10 miles northwest of Marquette and north of the Dead River Basin and west of County Road 510. The Ridge Fire was spotted by a DNR pilot Oct. 9; the cause of that fire remains under investigation.
The status of the “Ready, Set, Go!” protocol for residents along North Basin Drive remains at a “Ready” status. Residents are encouraged to continue to be prepared in case conditions change. The Noquemanon Trail system west of the trailhead on County Road 510 remains closed.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Craig Lake Fire
The Craig Lake Fire, which is located at the north end of Craig Lake State Park and does encompass some of the northern reaches of the park, is now estimated at 606 acres and is 70% contained. The fire, caused by a lightning strike, was detected by a DNR pilot Oct. 8.
To ensure the safety of Craig Lake State Park visitors, and due to ongoing wildfire suppression operations, the DNR has temporarily closed the park north of Craig Lake proper and the Teddy Lake Yurt through the end of October.
The North Country Trail within Craig Lake State Park has also been closed due to ongoing fire suppression operations.
The remainder of Craig Lake State Park is open to the public.
Black River Fire
The 350-acre Black River Fire, located 4 miles south of Wakefield, is currently 70% contained. It was detected Oct. 11 and was initially managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The DNR took over management of the fire Oct. 13, and the cause is still under investigation. There are currently no road or trail closures associated with this fire, but the public is reminded to please avoid the area for their safety and to avoid interfering in fire suppression operations.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Temporary Flight Restriction
A temporary flight restriction remains in place over both the Ridge Fire and the Craig Lake Fire for a 5-nautical-mile radius and below 3,500 feet. The public is asked to please avoid the area around both fires so that suppression efforts are not interrupted. Drones are not permitted in the fire area as they will bring air operations to a halt.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fire Response
The DNR had a total of 97 firefighters assigned to the Rugged Terrain Complex on Friday. A DNR Incident Management Team is managing the complex.
Additional support is being provided by U.S. Forest Service, Marquette National Weather Service, Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management, Baraga County Emergency Management, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Gogebic County Emergency Management, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Bay Mills Indian Community, Negaunee Township, Michigamme-Spurr Fire Department, Bessemer Township Fire Department, Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, Lyme Timber Great Lakes and DNR Law Enforcement Division.
As always, the DNR reminds people to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before planning to burn yard debris or start a campfire, and to have an accessible water source nearby. For more fire safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.
